Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) on Friday convened a pivotal virtual stakeholders’ forum to discuss the draft Application-to-Person (A2P) licensing framework. The event, chaired by Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of the NCC, provided a platform for key industry players to deliberate on regulatory measures to enhance the rapidly evolving A2P messaging ecosystem in Nigeria.
In his opening remarks, delivered by Mrs. Chizua Whyte, Acting Head of Legal & Regulatory Services at the NCC, Dr. Maida highlighted the critical role of A2P messaging in modern communication.
He described it as a powerful tool used by businesses to deliver transactional, promotional, and service-related notifications directly to consumers. From banking alerts and healthcare reminders to promotional campaigns and government updates, A2P messaging has become an indispensable channel for driving efficiency, supporting socio-economic development, and fostering stronger consumer engagement.
Dr. Maida emphasised the NCC’s strategic focus on three primary stakeholders: the government, consumers, and the telecommunications industry. He noted that A2P messaging facilitates effective government-to-citizen communication, ensures consumers receive timely and secure updates, and drives innovation and competition within the industry.
However, he acknowledged the challenges plaguing the A2P messaging space in Nigeria, particularly in the international segment. Issues such as fraud, spam, data privacy concerns, and inequities in the value chain have raised alarms, threatening the sustainability and growth of this vital communication tool.
“This forum marks a pivotal step toward addressing these challenges,” Dr. Maida stated. “The proposed regulatory framework represents our commitment to fostering innovation while ensuring a fair, transparent, and secure environment for all players in the ecosystem.”
The EVC reiterated the NCC’s belief in inclusivity and collaboration as the cornerstones of effective regulation. He urged stakeholders—including operators, aggregators, businesses, service providers, and consumers—to actively participate in shaping the framework. He emphasized the need for meaningful discussions to refine the regulatory approach and address industry concerns.
“Our goal is to create a sustainable and thriving A2P messaging ecosystem that protects consumers, promotes fair competition, and unlocks new opportunities for growth,” Dr. Maida said.
The forum featured robust deliberations on the draft framework, with participants commending the NCC’s proactive approach. Stakeholders expressed optimism that the proposed regulations would tackle fraud, enhance consumer protection, and ensure equitable value distribution across the A2P messaging value chain.
The NCC reaffirmed its commitment to supporting innovation, protecting stakeholders, and ensuring the continued growth of Nigeria’s telecommunications sector.
The event concluded with a call for continued collaboration to refine the framework and pave the way for a more secure, efficient, and inclusive A2P messaging ecosystem in Nigeria.
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